Vigilant business owner avoids transfer scam
This particular transfer scam has apparently been doing the rounds for many years. “The fraudsters fill in the transfer slip in such a manner that it can be altered to the desired amount at a later stage.”
A dexterous scam artist recently attempted to steal R96 488 from an observant Newcastle business owner.
According to the owner who chose to remain anonymous, the customer was quoted R3 000 for the hiring of machinery over a weekend.
The owner allegedly asked the customer to transfer the money before the time agreed upon and shortly thereafter a transfer slip amounting to R96 488 was forwarded to the owner.
Immediately suspicious, the business owner contacted the man who amicably explained he had made an error and requested the full amount be refunded to him. The owner agreed, but contacted First National Bank before refunding the money. “FNB confirmed that no transfer had been made and advised me not to transfer any money into the fraudster’s account,” claimed the owner.
This particular transfer scam has apparently been doing the rounds for many years. “The fraudsters fill in the transfer slip in such a manner that it can be altered to the desired amount at a later stage.”
The business owner, who chose to remain anonymous in fear of retribution, alleged that upon contacting the police armed with the relevant documentation and banking details, police refused to open a case of fraud “as it was too much paperwork”.
It is also alleged that the owner was told the matter would never be resolved, making her attempts at justice futile.
FNB responded to the scam, and said:
“We urge consumers to remain vigilant when it comes to their banking safety and to never release goods or funds on the premise of a deposit slip, SMS or email statement. Should consumers find themselves in a position where a refund due to an incorrect deposit or ‘overpayment’ is claimed or where goods have been purchased by cheque, the consumer should always ensure funds are cleared and available in their accounts before responding to requests or claims. Warning signs that the deposit or transfer was never made, could include the fraudster pressuring the potential victim for a refund or early release of the goods.”
